The inaugural DCIS Proms was designed to build student confidence on stage by students performing on three occasions to three different audiences. Audiences rotated between three stage locations around the school simultaneously, which enabled the performers to hone their stage craft as the evening progressed.
The event was a culmination of the Juilliard-NAE Performing Arts Curriculum Week that took place at DCIS at the beginning of June. The lunchtime performances, five Juilliard alumni workshops, guest assembly showcases and cross-curricular activities that happened across the school that week all led to a final showcase of music involving over 110 performers.
It was a delight to see each band, ensemble and soloist own the stage by the time they had reached their third and final performance, as well as the expression on each child’s face as audiences applauded their efforts.
In a final twist, the format of the evening was soon flipped, whereby the teachers took the role of the students with a short recital to conclude the evening.
It was an exciting way to highlight the presence of musical talent at DCIS, as well as the hidden talents of some of our teachers!
Patrick Dwyer
Head of Music